Kids on scooters and bikes try out the simple ramps and beams set up in a parking lot, as a team of students demonstrate jumps and tricks, or set up life-sized games, a basketball hoop and other activities.
It’s all part of the Town of Innisfil’s Mobile Youth Centre, a “Rec.-Centre-in-a-trailer” that travels to different neighbourhoods and special events, in the afternoons and evenings.
“It’s just to give the youth something to do,” said Tammy Botham, supervisor of programs and facilities. “People are loving it.”
Transported from site to site in a trailer decorated with original artwork by Nantyr Shores Secondary School art students, the Mobile Youth Centre includes games, activities, and a portable skateboard-and-scooter park.
So far, the MYC has shown up at the Town’s Fresh Air Flicks at Innisfil Beach Park, Neighbourhood Nights and at locations that include Lot G at Innisfil Beach Park, libraries and parks in Stroud, Lefroy, Cookstown, and Alcona.
“We had over 80 kids, our first night out,” said Botham. “We’re having a great time.”
Last year, the program was paid for by a grant from Innisfil Town Council. This year, organizers also benefited from an Ontario Sports, Recreation and Tourism grant.
“That certainly helped out,” said Botham.
The MYC is open to kids of all ages. Anyone who doesn’t have a skateboard or scooter can borrow one from the MYC team of four students, who provide supervision and assistance to the kids who sign in for the free fun.
On July 30, the Mobile Youth Centre was at Innisfil Beach Park, for a second time. Innisfil resident Jenn Tucker brought her kids and their scooters to the outdoor activity centre.
“I saw it on Facebook,” said Tucker, an Innisfil resident for the past five years. “I love it, they love it. It’s their second time here.”
Botham noted that there is a schedule of locations for the MYC, this summer – but encouraged communities to check online, and ask about bringing the centre to their own neighbourhoods.
“We’re open to the community,” she said. “We’re excited about it – we keep adding locations.”
Right now, said Botham, the goal is to provide youth with the opportunity “to get out, get active, get involved, and meet people… Our goal, long term is to be able to rent out for birthdays, special events.” And so far, she said, “It’s been fantastic.”
For more information see @innisfilMYC on Instagram, twitter or facebook, or check out the Town website, Innisfil.ca, to see where the MYC will be next.
